Wilmington food stand proposal creates 'fire storm'

WILMINGTON &GT;&GT; Zoning Administrator Craig Ohlson said he was not expecting controversy surrounding a food stand being proposed in town.

"I can honestly say I didn't anticipate this much of a fire storm," he said. "I think food carts have a place. Obviously, they're just temporary in nature. But I thought it would be good for downtown."

Vince Rice wants to run a food stand at the west end of the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce parking lot that would take up one parking space on the property. He previously ran a food stand at two spots in Wilmington and is also a member of the Select Board. He could not be reached by press time.

The Development Review Board was expected to review an application for a conditional use permit on Monday. But due to lack of quorum, the hearing was rescheduled to June 13.

"There apparently is a petition. I haven't seen it yet," said Ohlson.

On potential concerns, he said, "I've heard a variety of things from congestion and safety to market, meaning 'it would affect my business,' which is not the DRB's business."

"The DRB does not get into market so probably the biggest concern would be safety – both pedestrian and vehicular because it's a congested area," said Ohlson.

Two other food-stand ventures in Wilmington are located on Route 100 next to the building where Twice Blessed Community Thrift Store was formerly housed. Ice cream and other treats are offered at the Creemee Stand. Seafood and barbecue food is sold at Joe's Home Cookin'.

Rice's plan is to offer hot dogs, soda and ice cream, according to Ohlson. Rice previously sold food on property at True Value on Route 9 before Family Dollar replaced it. He then ran his business near the intersection of Route 9 and Route 100 South.

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